Coldplay singer's new assault probe

Police are investigating claims that Coldplay singer Chris Martin assaulted a photographer in a scuffle outside a London restaurant.

A spokesman for the band said an incident occurred on Wednesday when a photographer tried to take pictures of the singer and his pregnant wife, the actor Gwyneth Paltrow, as they left a London restaurant.

"Naturally enough, for a man whose wife is heavily pregnant with their first child, Chris's sole concern was to ensure that Gwyneth got into a cab safely and was not harassed in any way," the spokesman told BBC Radio One.

The spokesman said the photographer tripped as he ran after the taxi.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said officers were investigating allegations of a common assault on London's Beauchamp Place on Wednesday.

"An altercation occurred between two men. The alleged victim suffered minor cuts and scratches. We understand he didn't require hospital treatment but has seen a doctor," the spokesman said.

"We will take a formal statement from the alleged victim in due course. No one has been interviewed yet."

Back in July, Martin was alleged to have smashed a car windshield with a rock after a conversation with a photographer in Byron Bay while Coldplay were playing at the Splendor In The Grass music festival. The charge of maliciously destroying or damaging property valued at less than $2,000 was later dropped.